Eddie Mascarenhas

André Eduardo Roque "Eddie" Mascarenhas (born 10 November 1941) is an Indian former theatre actor, theatre director, singer, and playwright who worked on the Konkani stage.

Early life Mascarenhas's family originated from Dandora in Cuncolim, Goa. During his childhood, Mascarenhas made his initial debut on the tiatr stage. It was at the Colva 'fama' event of Antonio Sinforiano, where Mascarenhas sang a song in Sinforiano' tiatr and received positive feedback from the audience. This marked his entry into the Konkani stage. Mascarenhas's father, Paulino, was a policeman (Polícia do Estado da India), the same as Polícia de Segurança Pública, in the Portuguese regime and had a passion for tiatr, being involved as a tiatrist in villages alongside A. R. Souza Ferrão, among others. These productions reflect his creative vision and have garnered acclaim within the tiatr community. During his formative years, Mascarenhas resided in the Pernem taluka, where his father, a police officer (Polícia do Estado da Índia), similar to Polícia de Segurança Pública), in the Portuguese administration, was stationed. It was during this period that Mascarenhas collaborated with local boys and girls to create his tiatr Moipaxi Bhav, a production that was well received by audiences and further solidified his passion for the art form.

In 1964, the theatrical production known as Moipaxi Bhav premiered in the Hamal locality. Under the direction of Mascarenhas, a cast of popular professional singers including the trio Anthony-Nelson-Conception, Sabina Fernandes, Champion Peter, and Avelino Lemos brought the performance to life. The success of Moipaxi Bhav spurred Mascarenhas to write and stage two more tiatrs Mogak Lagon, which was showcased in Baida, Pernem, and 'Bhavnnam, presented in Dandora, Cuncolim. In the same year in 1964, Mascarenhas journeyed to Bombay, where he seized an opportunity to showcase his singing prowess in Robin Vaz's tiatr, Shantichem Login (Shanti's Marriage). During his time in Bombay, Mascarenhas participated in a tiatr organized by the Cuncolim Union, with Robert Mascarenhas as the writer and John Gomes Kokoy assisting in the direction. It was during this collaboration that Mascarenhas and John Gomes formed a musical duo, captivating audiences with their performances. Their partnership endured for several projects, collaborating with popular directors such as Carmo Rod, Prem Kumar, Anthony De Sa, and Robin Vaz. He was subsequently honored once again as one of the senior tiatr personalities chosen to present awards at the 2015 Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG)'s Festival of Khells, held at Ravindra Bhavan in Curchorem, Goa.

Personal life As of 2013, Mascarenhas, due to age and health reasons, has withdrawn from the Konkani stage performances and now predominantly stays at his residence in Fatorda, Goa. He possesses a bungalow in the same area. Mascarenhas has a keen interest in collecting vintage tiatr memorabilia like old photos, handbills, awards, and other artifacts associated with tiatr. These items typically depict 20th-century Konkani tiatrists and their performances, providing insights into this traditional art form. Writer Daniel F. de Souza has acknowledged the significance of Mascarenhas' collection in preserving the heritage of Konkani tiatr. Despite his deep knowledge of tiatr, Mascarenhas is known for his reserved nature, speaking sparingly. As of 2018, he resides near JJ Costa Hospital in Fatorda, Goa.

The cobra incident Mascarenhas and his acquaintances embarked on a journey to Baida, a locality situated in Pernem, with the purpose of participating in a singing competition. Demonstrating his vocal prowess, Mascarenhas emerged triumphant, securing the first prize in the form of a trophy. The competition unfolded amidst a forested enclave characterized by undulating terrain. To reach the venue, known as the mattou (pandal), Mascarenhas and his companions traversed the hilly landscape on foot. Upon earning the accolade, they reconvened near the road, anticipating the arrival of their designated vehicle for transportation. While awaiting transportation, Mascarenhas, clutching his trophy, sought respite by reclining on the ground. A cobra stealthily approached him, encircling the trophy atop his chest before slithering across and proceeding towards its intended destination. Stirred from his slumber by the touch of the serpent, Mascarenhas experienced a momentary surge of panic. However, his companions promptly advised him against making any sudden movements to avoid provoking the venomous creature. Complying with their counsel, Mascarenhas remained motionless. As the cobra gracefully traversed his prone form, Mascarenhas found himself overwhelmed by an amalgamation of astonishment, terror, and paralysis.